n'importe rien

Sunflower time

2011-09-02T00:43:00.000-07:00

I don't seem to fine the time to blog anymore, too busy being happy and enjoying life. I look back at times that were difficult and find them quite ridiculous compare to some of the events that have taken place in my life lately.
I think of all my good friends, 3 of them, diagnosed with Breast cancer and spend every thought I have sending healing power and strength. We are small in front of the pains of illness and have to reach in and believe as hard as possible.

KODIAK Koddy for the loved ones..

2011-08-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

What has gotten into us, ...I don't know, but Laurent has ALWAYS what he wants and he wanted that little guy. He is 4 months old, will grow into one pretty big dog, meet Koddy, our new addition to our family...A Rhodesian ridgeback is a diamond of a dog...and he is ours.

THE WELL

2011-07-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

Curious Gorges there decided to bring in all his buddies and to REALLY check me out...if I did not hold the door closed, as it had nothing to hold it, he would just march right in ...I stayed there, taking pictures and pleading him and his friends to just go eat some grass or do what ever young bulls do...!

THE WELL

2011-07-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

Wells are a huge part of history there, protected by a St Patrick, this one was serounded by young bulls who I mistakingly took for cows...it took me a good half an hour to master the courage to get back out and run to my car...but it was all worth it.

Wells are strategically put at gathering places, the people could bring the fire, but not the water.
In the back of this one you can find trinkets and wishes people have made and left there, messages, shoelaces, earing, part of one's wish.

RNNING...ROADS AGAIN !

2011-07-27T05:52:00.000-07:00

I went out for my first walk with Ruth and was shocked to not see one trail around...gorgeous surroundings, breath taking views, but NO TRAILS. I guess it rains so much they had to secure their way in and out.
It felt like home, l'auvergne, smack in the middle of Ireland.
So running on roads it was, part of the 10k route we mapped out later on with Ruth for her Dublin marathon training sessions.

LONGFORD

2011-07-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

The town of Longford was trying desperately to survive. Many shops were closed off, even a huge shopping mall had made it out of the grounds, American style through the boom of the early 2000 years, but was sitting there, unfinished and empty.
It came and it left, some money stayed but not enough to change the old ways.
It was enough to make you feel sad, but the Irish have seen worse times, they just worked around it and kept on living, as they always did.

Ruth and I

2011-07-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

Texting madly right before watching "My left foot" with Becca...who was the teen in this room...I wanna know hum!!!

1st breakast with Ruth

2011-07-27T05:32:00.000-07:00

My host family was so welcoming and kind, we had exchanged emails and I was expecting someone kind ...little did I know I was to be staying with the coolest two ladies in that small town of Drumlish.
Mom, Ruth and 17 year old daughter Rebecca, felt like sisters to me within hours. I immediately felt at home and was kindly accepted to the dinner table that was going to become my office for the next 2 weeks.
it felt like Surya and I, poking at each other and being our own cookie self, I had a replicca of our family in Ireland, and I was so lucky to end up with them.

IRELAND, THE GREEN COUNTRY

2011-07-27T05:21:00.000-07:00

Exactly as I had always imagined, green rolling hills, as far as I could see.
I dropped off the last girls, drove a few miles and stopped on the side of the road to take it all in...I WAS IN IRELAND.
A wish I had made, over and over, every time someone had mentioned traveling again. It was spread out in front of me and I was shaking with excitement.
First shot from Kells, on my way to Mulingar.

Driving in IRELAND

2011-07-27T05:15:00.000-07:00

It had to be mastered quickly, the 3 kids I had been asked to drop off from the airport thought it was a great experience.
We laughed our head off while screaming at each other "to the left, to the left" and my 2 weeks adventure was beginning.

Ireland is the land of the gentle people, courteous and kind, there is no mean manners around, it is a shocker and a such a HUGE lesson.

Our last mountain bike ride

2011-05-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous, it was simply birth taking, it took us a good 4 hours but the ride was sensational, this of course, was before I fell off my bike, yesterday and dislocated my shoulder...now strapped like mad.......oh oh!

The group photo

2011-05-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

All of us, ...

funny!

2011-05-31T11:04:00.000-07:00

We were celebrating Marie's birthday at laurent's place our first party, we loved it and had a lot of succes with the wraps...Surya was working, we missed her.

My favorite people

2011-05-31T10:58:00.000-07:00

I must have been under a HUGE lucky start the day I had this child AND then the day i met this man.
We are having so much fun still, Joy and fun...that is it.

Such girls

2011-05-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

They are going through all their tests right now, tomorrow is the last day...hope this gives them all the courage they need

beautiful daughter

2011-05-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

She is growing into such a gorgeous person, I don't like to brag, but seriously she is really wonderful...and i had to share it.
Best friend Ophelie with her...as cute as her her.

In LC's yard

2011-05-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

Since he moved in his new house, we have been eating out as often as possible..it is always a pleasure to see his good humor, such an easy going guy, man oh man it is cool.

The smile of contentement

2011-05-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

I love this picture, she is truly happy there and these moments are very important in her recovery.
In the back, on the wall a painting done by artist Anne Pentland, from the Napa Valley, for my mother, while staying in the house.

The dance tea party

2011-05-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

My mother still dance every Sundays, if not more, sometimes twice a week. We visited her with the lady I assist daily to try out some steps.
it was very good for the spirit and then it started running outside, so she sat in front of the fire...a great way to keep a smile on her face.

Salt

2011-05-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

From far away, the dunes of salts look like snow, with a slight tint of pink, just like the flamingos, I did not get this time.

Weekend south

2011-05-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

Even though I love going south, I am almost regretted living my region, the weather forecast was not so good and it turned out actually pretty good.
This Aigues mortes again, a nice city with a little too many tourists at this time of the year.

Christian Vauzelle, a cousin driving his Jeep

2011-04-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

I heard of this guy having the same last name as me, however in the original spelling, part of my family in an other region...met the guy, really like him and he happens to be an awesome trailer, himself and his wife.
She is Sandra, sorry to not have a picture yet, an American born, we have really found ourselves...!

Look at him driving his Jeep;-)

Goergeous country side

2011-04-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

Awesome, I live about 20 minutes from this place, OMG it is so gorgeous, unreal!
I love this region it is an awesome part of France, Donavan needs to forget about The Loire Valley, it is pompous, here, it is REAL man, super real.

Waiting for you all to visit, now is a good time!

Love this.

My cousin KIKI's Jeep THE MUTT

2011-04-13T09:58:00.001-07:00

Last week we stopped by my new found crazy cousin, here, driving his Jeep and Lolo is sitting here, in the back with Eric vernet, husband of the world record winner Anne marie Vernet...the so humble, fantastic women.
We tried out the new put together Jeep and had a blast doing so. Stopped by to say hello to Justin, to make sure the other American around, would totally approve of the new find and I miss the shot where both, my cousin and Justin, where buried under the hood of this unreal machine.
One of the Vietnam war veterans, this Jeep came from Greece to Germany then France...Kiki and his wife did an amazing job at putting it back together again and it is humming like a charm....We had a kick ass day, and I am proud to announce that I hiked two and an half hour with Pascale our new NON SMOKING chuppa chups sucker star...very proud of her. Sorry I forgot my camera or my phone, cause the views were great...here some from the jeep!!! Next post

...and it soon became a flower!

2011-04-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

With this bloom comes another state of letting go...!
This, my dear, is for you, my Cal flower Liz, who has gone through so much with me.

As I wait to, one day soon, to see your face and here your laugh, I send this bloom to your heart.

It is a good reminder of hurt and how it heals, a good way to see how, with time, this has passed too and a sparkle of light, a bit of sunshine a new home for you and Michele.

I will see you, hopefully soon, but until then, my darling soul sister, cheers to you and your success.

How many blooms yet!

2011-04-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

I am such a poor gardener, but somehow, this one just keeps on blooming, it amazes me for I have done nothing to keep it alive, however, it is the most gorgeous flower when it does, the magic of nature.

Kind of the way to remind you that they too, have a mind of their own and do whatever pleases them!!!

A releif

2011-04-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

Just like the smoothness of this handle, I imagine how many hands have touched it.

Today I am extremely grateful for the pains in Surya's stomach, BEING GONE.

and I love my Lc man.

Mikael the maroal man

2011-02-19T04:44:00.000-08:00

Your friend Lolo..............Mikeal;-)

Suzanne and Andre

2011-02-19T04:28:00.000-08:00

They are, by far, the cutest couple I know...they have stuck it up together through incredibly hard times and would have all the reasons in the world to be sad and or depressed and down, but instead, they are the best lesson in life.

I see a lot of his spirit in Laurent, this Joie de vivre and the ability to put everything into perspective...!

They live a simple healthy life, they are admirable and humble...I am at aw.

Cheers to you

Such a man

2011-02-19T04:25:00.000-08:00

Andre turned 80 years old yesterday and we celebrated as if he was 20.
Laurent's uncle, he is one hell of a guy, a gorgeous soul and a firm certainty that if you stay away from a few thing, you can get old healthy.

Love the grunge look

2011-02-19T04:15:00.000-08:00

Today we have been hanging out together for exactly 31 months, and it feels like it was last week.

So much has happen and nothing has changed, you are still the greatest thing ever...and darned, I am having fun...we just need that damned lottery!!!!!

Markets

2011-02-18T23:20:00.000-08:00

Liz I want to take you there, you would really love it. So last weekend we stayed over had Laurent's parent's house, gone for a few days...after Surya's surgery, I felt the need to escape for a few days, lucky me, really, over and over I tell myself, how incredibly lucky I am .
We bought a traditional cake a few stalls down, and brought it back home, it is delicious, made with orange flowers.

Markets Aigues Mortes

2011-02-18T23:17:00.000-08:00

I still love markets, the smells, noises and people.
I am sad to come across more junk though, where ever you go, you find the same things, the french have so totally sold out their soul on so many things.
They are doing what the US did to themselves 10 years ago, it is very sad to experience this.

Beach again

2011-02-18T23:14:00.000-08:00

Usual shot, still laughing, still busy and still nutty!!

Making room...for the NEW fridge.

2011-02-18T23:07:00.000-08:00

Laurent has moved and installed his new kitchen right away, so here we are, me frantically making room and cleaning up for my new fridge and Surya and Laurent, right behind this, making fun of me and taking all these shots..............they dared me to post it, didn't think I could !

Funny child

2011-02-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

The best way to get back on your feet is to laugh, she sure did, even if at first it was painful.
We kept the good moments, but she is doing really good and we are going to follow that very closely.
As you can see, she is fully herself, nothing has changed her, and the stuffed animal on her head is PILOU, the softest dog Laurent found to bring her to the hospital...they are big, but tell you what, still small, those funny kids.

Feeling WELL,SO WELL

2011-01-30T12:14:00.001-08:00

This was taken a little before the surgery, January 2010, today, all is done and we are feeling EXTREMELY releived to tell you she is doing great and recuperating fast.
Feeling so incredibly thankful...

and a million thank you to"Manuel" for all his good laughs, even if it hurts like hell :-) Lc.

Last moments!

2011-01-14T09:25:00.000-08:00

We have spent over a year in your "hide away" place................where I feel on vacation even when I am not!
Next time you check this blog out, you will be in your new house, so Happy new house, with this new year, love you to pieces..and such good memories in this apartment.

January 2011.

Good Job Marie

2011-01-10T06:40:00.000-08:00

You manage to do in one page a great moment of our evening, So cute, thank you Marie

YOU KNOW ME

2010-12-31T06:02:00.000-08:00

Let's go ride, as soon as we can..............................thank you so much

My Best friend

2010-12-31T05:56:00.000-08:00

You are a fantastic man and I adore you.

Pizza

2010-12-31T05:54:00.000-08:00

After a race, a good time and a good laugh

My Running body

2010-12-31T05:52:00.000-08:00

To the left, my partner, without him, I would not be running.

CORRIDA CLERMONT 2010

2010-12-31T05:46:00.000-08:00

Way fun, the CAC is growing and growing, more women than ever...tons of fun.

Xmas Hats

2010-12-31T05:31:00.000-08:00

What a clan...lovely

picking the Bone!!!!!!!!!!!Leg lamb

2010-12-31T05:27:00.000-08:00

Getting all the good stuff off that bone, that leg lamb was delicious

Xmas 2010

2010-12-31T05:24:00.000-08:00

So much is said in this picture, Susanne and Andre are such warm people, Laurent, just himself, my main man!

xmas 2010

2010-12-31T05:20:00.000-08:00

Marie Surya great xmas shot, looking all fancy and happy.
A wonderful time at Laurent's ...what a Xmas should be.
Joy to all

News

2010-12-12T00:13:00.000-08:00

With this gorgeous picture, a few words to all my friends for all the thoughts and warm messages we keep getting for Surya's health.
As we wait for this surgery, I personally powder less, it seems that every minute is made to be extra special and appreciation amplified even more.

Nothing is planned, other than a nice turn, as Laurent has found his house and we will be moving him in mid January.

Martine and Jim are here from Kentucky and we will miss Chantal and Michel not being able to visit.

We are all in great spirit, life is keeps on being great.

It is cold, crisp and beautiful, will post again more pictures, still have tons to catch up on.

My Friend Madee took this picture and I love it.

wow

2010-11-13T01:38:00.000-08:00

Just for the eyes

Back from Turini

2010-11-13T01:32:00.000-08:00

I dropped Laurent off at the top, then, had the entire day to visit, these are a few spot on my way down to Soscol, where the first aid station of the trail race was.. all alone, it felt very unique, like the world belonged to me;

Fantastic and breath taking;

JOY

2010-11-13T01:21:00.000-08:00

Some people click, some don't, a full table of people who just do, we love spending time together and this spot was really gorgeous;

The owner a friend of Michel and Chantal, welcomed us like only people in this industry know how to do.

One of many great Birthday dinners, funny how we match too, without concerting each other!

So gorgeous!!

2010-11-13T01:13:00.000-08:00

The "great getting older " club............!!Chantal Michel and I with our new smart eye wear;

On my birthday, they took us out to their secret spot where we had an awesome meal and so much fun;

Thank you you two, can't wait until you get here;

Better

2010-11-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

Much much better

9th

2010-11-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

Maybe I should not have told you you were ninth?
Just glad you were smart on this one Lolo

Life is too short

2010-11-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

...to drink bad wine, to not have fun AND to hang out with sorry ass boring peeps.

Lolo, you are freaking awesome.

Viaduc de Garabit

2010-11-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

And, this, is what we were looking at..........one of Eiffel's most gorgeous piece.

As wako as me!

2010-11-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

How can I put it for you...................?
I have found my match !

It is the most pleasant experience ever, it glides and soar and, in the middle of all this, laughters roll around at all times.

A long drive and a crazy stop on the side of the free way.

I think it was in Sept 2010...!

Between France and Italy

2010-10-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

Man it was gorgeous up there, I had lots of time to drive the very narrow road down, so I decided to take all these pictures for you all.

Insane

2010-10-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

Look at all these nuts, it is 8:00 Am on a Saturday, I believe, and it is cold up there, but they are ready to do this.
We under estimated the drive from Michel and Chantal it ended up being way too far, so we got up really early and the track was ruthless.

Col du turini September 24th

2010-10-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

Lc getting ready for a 52k for way up there to Menton.
If you ask me, it was insane....

La tour D'auvergne

2010-10-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

Yep, this WAS also in the summer, we had some seriously cold days, we were wearing fleece jackets!!

Rolland and Marinou

2010-10-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of our friends I was talking about earlier, for those who met Delphine, these are her grand parents, I just love these people to death, they are the sweetest people.
They adores Laurent, but who wouldn't.

No more braces day!!

2010-10-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

Man, this was a total surprise, they did not tell us and actually, did tell us that they would never have time to do it on that day!!!
Go figure, all I know is I brought back a smiling Surya...love her smiles too.

Crudy sunday August 15th

2010-10-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

It was so freaking cold that day it felt like November. Last minute thing, we decide to drive up this mountain where they hold a blueberry feast every year....it turned out to be the worse place ever, but we called up some old friend of mine and had the most precious visit.
We left their house with a box of home made rhubarb and strawberry jam yummy...!

And Pierre...

2010-10-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

Pierre makes a podium that day, on the right, this man had 2 hip replacements BTW, over 60, running keeps young at heart.

Fast pace

2010-10-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Trail runners don't like road running after a while, but somehow, the group decided on doing Murol/le Mont dore and here is my sweet heart at the finnish line. Don't you hate it how he looks like so cool and collected after a 21K uphill and down hill ?
Lc is a natural runner.

Back home

2010-10-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Again, near us, an hour Drive Mont dore.

The dog talks to us!

2010-10-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

interconnection with Laurent

Favorite

2010-10-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

He is genuinely my favorite.

Natural spa!!!

2010-10-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

Man, it took us some yelling and screeching to get there, it was slippery and cold, but we did it, we had so so much fun, it is actually cool looking at these again and living the moment again now that it is 14 degrees Celsius outside!!!
Ok, we are nuts, but fun nuts!!!!!

I JUST LOVE IT

2010-10-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

I known this feels like for ever but, I just don't find the time to do these postings, SPECIFICALLY, because I am, finely with a man, who 1) Loves being with me and 2) always loves doing something fun..............So it leaves little time for this.
But, here we are, back in July, the best goof ball ever, posing for me and all of us, drying off after a crazy time swimming in the river ....we had those little blood suckers all over, it freaked me out a little, then I hear Demy Moore was having this done somewhere in a spa, so I was like "hey, little bugs, come on over please".........!

Runing around

2010-10-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Surya Laurent and I have been so active, it is hard sitting down at the computor to post lately.
Tons of great pictures are waiting though, we took a great trip to the south and visited Chantal, Liz, i can hear you..........and so much to celebrate.
Kathy, I will try to get to it.

Not forgetting about you guys, life is good here, finally so very good.

Sharing it as soon as I can.

Love to all

Rural and so simple.

2010-09-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

Dourbie Valley

Ridge running

2010-09-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Above Dourbie July 2010, the smells were unreal.

A wow Hike and run Dourbie

2010-09-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

What a fun time. This place is totally magical.
I loved it

Serious measures!

2010-09-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

To serious matters, serious measures..........!
For a good flow of things, when you end up staying with guys and girls in the same rooms, sharing the same bathrooms, you adjust to some new rules.
This was : NEVER EVER RUN OUT OF TOILET PAPER!!

Dourbies July 12th 2010

And OF COURSE...........

2010-09-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

Some are always ready for more fun....a little snack and we take off for the river just below, because adding a couple of hours to a run does not scare this guy and he is ALWAYS ready for fun.

The tired crew!

2010-09-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

After hiking in the mid day sun for 2 more hours than expected, here they are, a little pooped, but safe.

Cantobre

2010-09-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

I sit by the fountain, under the shape of this gorgeous tree...and in the back, this view.
It was lolly pop time, and I got one at the little cafe.

Trabuco club

2010-09-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

Best shoes for trail running and women

View from Cantobre

2010-09-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

Splendid.

The mixte feelings flowers

2010-09-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

Some sad memories associated with this gorgeous flowers, but still beautiful.
July 2010

Nant at noon time

2010-09-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

You can feel the heat in that picture, it was very very hot, a good day to stay in the shade by the river, however, not what my maniac crew had decided.
They took of, way way too late, to do this run/hike route and I was to meet them with the car at 1pm, in Cantobre, the previous picture.
They got lost, I did not have cell reception and ended up waiting until 3:30 pm, freaked out at the end....but it all turned out fine, I just fainted that evening because, with all the stress and the heat, I actually forgot to drink!!!

Cantobre

2010-09-11T02:09:00.000-07:00

July 2010

Top of the world!

2010-09-11T02:06:00.000-07:00

Dourbie July 2010

Nailed to the door

2010-08-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

This old bag nailed to the door to make the greatest mail box, love the colors.
It was noon time, very hot so the street were all empty, I really had a great time walking around this little city.
The rest of the crew had taken off for what was suppose to be a 3 hours hike.
They got lost and it turned out to be a little stressful on all of us, but, in the mean time, I explored and enjoyed.

Nant AVEYRON

2010-08-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

You know how some doors are opening has we take more steps into life.
This one was magnificent and I did take it with Erin in mind, so Erin, here is a series for you, love.

Him

2010-08-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

The special spot, he still has, with nothing more than kindness, we were a few days away from our first year meeting and it honestly feels like a few months ago.

When it flows like this, between yourself and another human being, it is the most precious feelings and I am so thankful for it all.

Still and probably even more than yesterday.

Claire and her gorgeous smile

2010-08-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

Part of the group watching the dance floor

Claire can dance

2010-08-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

I found out Claire could dance, and I mean : really dance, it wasn't the best dance floor, nor were we wearing the best dance shoes, but, one more moment of pure laughter and fun.
This is still on the patio, after dinner.
July 2010

Dinners on the patio

2010-08-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

Hard to get a good picture of all of us, but here is our adopted friend, he loved looking at the kitties Eric is so gently petting and he loved our attention.

Dourbies

2010-08-18T07:25:00.000-07:00

So, the Gite had the interesting spot, right next to the town cemetery, very quiet neighbors if you ask me, perfect for a relaxing weekend.

July 13th 2010 DOURBIES

2010-08-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

It is impossible to share our laughter level unless I post pictures, so here they are, I know, finally...!
So, Dourbies is this very small village with a church, a few houses a cafe and below it, a general store, all owned by this charming women, named Sylvie.
About 45mn drive from Millau (yes, where Jose Bove took down the Mc Donnald!!)
She also rents out the "gite", the little house I posted a few days ago, were we all stayed, here is a shot of our community laundry drying out, hers and ours!!

The best birthday picture

2010-08-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday again my love, so much fun.
What a crazy bunch!

Gabriel and Surya

2010-08-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

My gorgeous kid and her boy friend, we thought this cake was great...and yes, for all my US followers, check this out, Surya holding a bear at 16 in a bowling alley, probably freak all of you out!!!

Yes, the very strange candy piece

2010-08-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

Our personal favorite, well!!!!!!!!!

You make up your own mind, OK!

The candy cake!! Surya 's 16th birthday

2010-08-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Laurent had this fabulous idea to get Surya a candy cake for her birthday and we went back to the Bowling alley.
We surprised her by getting her best friend there, thanks again and again to Laurent who went to pick her up.

Surya 16th birthday

2010-08-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

OMG I really can't get to this how crazy is that!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Candles all backwards and all ...she is still the very best child.

Trying to ...

2010-08-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

I am seriously trying hard to get to this site and post the pictures I have promised,........first ASM game tonight, so, oh well, u you what, I'll give it a shot later.........Sorry you guys, it's coming though, hang in there